Pa. crime victims now allowed to speak to parole board

Monday

Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act was amended last week to allow victims or their representatives to testify in person before the state parole board before it decides whether to release an offender from prison.

Staff report

Pennsylvania's Crime Victims Act was amended last week to allow victims or their representatives to testify in person before the state parole board before it decides whether to release an offender from prison.

Under Pennsylvania law, persons convicted of a crime who have served their minimum prison sentence may apply for parole every year.

This new law allows victims, or their representatives, to testify before the state parole board, either in person or through electronic means, before the decision is made to release the inmate from prison. In the past, a victim could submit a written statement or speak to staff members who would submit a summary of the victim's comments.

"A system that is truly just requires full consideration of the concerns and views of crime victims, or their survivors. This law is a good reminder that the hurt and sense of loss do not end with the sentencing of those who committed the crime,'' said state Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), who has been advocating for victims' rights.

She mentioned the persistence of Susan Hooper in the path to this bill. Hooper's brother, Robert Curley, of Luzerne County, was slowly poisoned to death by his wife in order to benefit from a $300,000 life insurance policy. The wife, Joann Curley, is serving a 10-to-20 year prison sentence for the crime and has been through the parole process five times.

The law, signed Tuesday by Gov. Tom Corbett, goes into effect on Sept. 1.

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